Unification Minister Hyun In-taek says that the ball is in North Korea’s court, as President Lee Myung-bak has said that he is prepared to meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-il.

The minister told state-run broadcaster KTV that Seoul will work this year to create a new paradigm for inter-Korean relations.

Noting North Korea’s recent firing of artillery shells into waters near the inter-Korean sea border in the Yellow Sea, Hyun said that South Korea will firmly address the situation.

He added that Seoul will pursue dialogue with Pyongyang at any time if the North shows sincerity regarding inter-Korean relations.